New Greenhorn

Actually, I'm not so new (I've just been a little shy). I'm working on Say pt 1. It is definitely the first really intimidating program. If you feel the same way, don't worry. Think about it for a little bit, read the help topics, and jump right in. Unlike the real world, we have nitpickers that will guide us in the right direction. PS Any tips on how to think Say through would be helpful. ------------------

Thanks for the help! It can really be intimidating until you jump in and make some mistakes. QUESTION: I've heard lots of advice on becoming certified. What is your advice? Any formulas for successful preparation? ------------------

Thinking through a problem is not something everyone is "good" at. It's a skill that must be learned and refined. I think the Say assignment is a nice example of something that looks easy and takes effort complete I attack all complicated programs with flow charts. It's amazing how easy it is to troubleshoot logic when you can read it instead of just think about it. It also makes it easy to ask someone to review your design. Design methodology is so important to engineering good code. I've started reading some of the UML recommended books from the Bunkhouse to enhance my design methods. Mike

Jane Griscti
Ranch Hand

Joined: Aug 30, 2000
Posts: 3141

posted Mar 24, 2001 13:38:00

0

Hi Josue,

QUESTION: I've heard lots of advice on becoming certified. What is your advice? Any formulas for successful preparation?

If you are not already familiar with the language I'd suggest first working through a good tutorial book. There are two books available on-line which many people use:
Thinking in Java by Bruce Eckel and Introduction to Java Programming by David Eck. You can also check the JavaRanch Bunkhouse for reviews on Beginning Java books.
Once you get a feel for the language, pick up a good certification guide. The favorites are RHE, Khalid's and Bill Brogden's Exam Cram. Reviews are available on the Bunkhouse page.
Work through the certification guides writing as many pieces of code as you can to clarify the concepts. Keep in mind that the certification guides are just that, guides. IMHO it's also useful to supplement the information in each area by working through the appropriate section of Sun's Java Tutorial Once you feel you understand the fundamentals, start taking the mocks. Review areas you are weak on.
When you feel confident, take the real exam.
As to the benefits of certification, in my opinion they are two fold: passing gives you confidence in your ability to work with Java and is evidence, to possible employers, that you have the self-discipline to develop a new skill. It also tangible evidence that you really do know Java.
Hope that helps. All the best with your studies.

Hi Josue, I dont have to on the assigment log, too shy ??? See http://www.javaranch.com/ubb/Forum19/HTML/000332.html Registering simply means posting a message on the topic (see url above) when you submit your 1st assignment. When you then submit another attempt or new assignment simply edit your first posting.

[This message has been edited by Johannes de Jong (edited March 28, 2001).]